Qubic Mining, Consensus and Computors
Qubic mining focuses on AI training and maintaining computor spots, differing from traditional crypto mining and ensuring high profitability.
Qsilver · Jan 13, 2024.
Qubic mining is often misunderstood, as it differs significantly from traditional crypto mining. Unlike blockchains that require mining to secure the network and find new blocks, Qubic does not involve the typical process of generating random hashes to discover blocks. This post aims to clarify how Qubic mining works and its unique aspects.
Traditional Mining vs. Qubic Mining
In traditional blockchain mining, miners find new blocks by varying a nonce field to generate random hashes. Each new block creates a range of possible next blocks, and miners aim to find a nonce value that produces a hash with a specific pattern, such as a number of leading zeros. This process, which can be extended to absurd levels with current hashrates, is crucial for securing the network and getting block rewards.
Blockchain mining involves complexities like blockchain reorganization and orphans, where two miners might find different blocks from the same tip, leading to probabilistic validity of blocks and 51% attacks. Even proof-of-stake blockchains use an analogue of this mining method, adjusting the number of zero bits needed based on the stake.
Qubic Mining Basics
Qubic, however, does not require mining for creating new ticks (equivalent to blocks). Ticks are generated by a tick leader who broadcasts a proposed new tick. The 676 computors (nodes) send cryptographically signed votes that include hashes of the internal state of the Qubic network. For a tick to be accepted, two-thirds of the quorum must agree. If the tick leader fails to publish a proposed new tick, an empty tick (with all zeroes) is generated, still requiring a quorum vote.
If there is no quorum, Qubic stops ticking. As long as Qubic is ticking, a majority of the computors are in sync, down to every last bit of the network's state. The role of mining in Qubic is not about generating the next tick but ensuring computors retain their spots.
Mining and Computor Spots
Qubic mining helps computors maintain their positions. The 676 computors receive up to 1 trillion QU each epoch, with rewards adjusted based on performance. Currently, about 99% of the 1 trillion QU is sent to computors, with the rest going to the Arbitrator, who oversees computor behavior.
While the Arbitrator publishes the list of computors for the new epoch, this information is already known within the system. The Arbitrator's role is limited and does not affect the tick-by-tick operation of Qubic.
Profitability and AI Training
Qubic has been highly profitable for miners, with around $3 million USD mined weekly. This mining process is essentially AI training, helping computors maintain their spots. The highest-performing computors, likely significant Qubic stakeholders, are incentivized to keep the network running smoothly.
CPU vs. GPU Mining
Qubic can be mined using both CPUs and GPUs. Recently, a public GPU mining pool has attracted many new miners. AI training optimization will determine the future of GPU mining. Upcoming algorithm changes are expected to impact GPUs more than CPUs, particularly with increased RAM requirements.
As RAM requirements double, some GPUs might become less competitive. Despite this, Qubic remains highly profitable for GPU miners, though efficiency levels may shift with future changes.
Future of Qubic Mining
Few mining pools currently exist, but more may form as the Qubic ecosystem grows. With high profitability, early adopters and fast followers will likely increase competition across various areas. The Qubic ecosystem is still in its early stages, and continued advancements will shape its future.
Conclusion
Qubic mining is distinct from traditional crypto mining, focusing on AI training and maintaining computor spots rather than generating new blocks. This innovative approach offers high profitability and unique challenges, making Qubic an exciting space for miners and developers.
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